Physician picked to analyze Craigie Hall air quality data

Eva Ferguson, Calgary Herald05.14.2012

University of Calgary health and safety officials are continuing to gather air quality data for Craigie Hall, hoping to allay continued staff fears they may have worked in a hazardous environment over the last decade.

CALGARY — University of Calgary health and safety officials are continuing to gather air quality data for Craigie Hall, hoping to allay continued staff fears they may have worked in a hazardous environment over the last decade.

At the same time information was provided to the Herald on Tuesday confirming there was never any asbestos found in Craigie Hall during a 2003 renovation, faculty and safety officials are looking to appoint an independent physician to analyze historical air quality data.

While that report was expected sometime last month, Rae Ann Aldridge, director of environment, health and safety, expects it won’t be complete until sometime this fall, as it took longer than expected to find the doctor.

“We worked very closely with staff within Craigie Hall to choose an occupational physician,” Aldridge said. “They, in fact, picked that physician and we are now working on his scope of work.”

Historical data around health complaints and air quality monitoring will be pulled from as far back as 2000, Aldridge said, and will then be provided to the independent physician for analysis.

Sarah Easton is an adjunct assistant professor who had worked in Craigie Hall since 1994, but opted to work from home last year after fears that poor air quality may be affecting her health.

Fears around health and safety continue among the staff, said Easton, who said she often experienced headache and fatigue while working in Craigie Hall.

“It’s something that’s so hard to measure,” said Easton, who now teaches online language courses to students across the globe. “I remember we’d go for walks, many of us would have headaches and we’d wonder if it was the air, or what it was.”

Results of an investigation completed in February 2004 were released Tuesday by the U of C as the result of a freedom of information and protection of privacy request.

It showed that data collected after the July 2003 renovation found no asbestos in the building.

However, survey results from staff working in the building at the time showed significant concerns around air quality, headaches, fatigue and poor housekeeping.

“Ninety per cent of the full-time occupants commented about the unacceptable housekeeping, with several writing that they clean their own offices,” the report reads.

Aldridge said at the time, staff members were given the option of working from home.

The report goes on to list several recommendations, including an upgrade of the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) plant for Craigie Hall.

Aldridge said that plant was upgraded several years ago, but she couldn’t confirm whether the report’s final recommendation was put through, to “consider an information session with a cancer specialist, possibly an overview on the nature of cancer, focusing on breast cancer.”

Cancer fears remain among some workers, not knowing why or how it may have been contracted.

Easton said she knows at least six women who once worked at Craigie Hall who have battled cancer in the last decade. Most, however, have been private about their illnesses.

As well, media reports identified the husband of one late staff member, Amelia Labbe, who suspected his wife died of pulmonary fibrosis caused by the dusty 2003 renovation.

The U of C’s search for an independent physician to examine historical data is the second phase of an investigation which began in March. The initial phase involved an environmental assessment of Craigie Hall that also found no significant traces of asbestos.

That investigation was in response to more recent complaints from staff and faculty members. The results showed virtually no trace of the fibrous carcinogen, which was widely used in buildings before the 1970s. It also found the building was well ventilated and had no problems with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or particulate matter.

Easton said the independent physician review, which will involve staff in the process, is a good way to improve relations between staff and administrators.

“For years complaints had been ignored,” she said, “but the fact that the university is making an effort to address air quality will help rebuild relationships.”

Easton said she first raised concerns about air quality in the building in her blog.

The university released a detailed asbestos abatement program in 2006.

Aldridge said the school continues to take asbestos removal procedures seriously.

eferguson@calgaryherald.com

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